Lately, I've been trying to embrace the mentality that everything has its season.
Sometimes literally, like with football and my Broncos -- though I probably obsess over offseason moves a little too much.
Whereas something like gaming may not have an actual offseason, it can definitely feel concentrated to certain times of year, especially the holiday season. Big media events like The Game Awards and GDQ can also put me in video game mood.
Rather than feeling down about myself when I'm not constantly engaged with gaming and internally motivated to play every day, I'm trying to embrace when a time of year or event does inspire that enthusiasm. Some reflection may even unearth positive associations I've developed with gaming, like remembering how gaming over the holidays as a kid always felt extra cozy.
Love this, for most hobbies I enjoying nowadays, at some point I had to step away from as to not burn out from it. Deciding to return when it’s healthy and when to step away has been key for me
I appreciate being reminded of this. Now having a 2 year old to focus life around, and a job that also asks more of me, I can’t game like I used to. So, I give myself permission to play shorter games, on lower difficulty levels, and to never feel obligated to “complete” a game.
🫰 🫰 🫰 Yes! I have an infant right now so it’s actually a perfect time for me to game during his naps, but I know once this rugrat starts moving it will be much harder! 😂
I think games are a magical method of storytelling, and I find myself gaming mostly to experience those stories. If I connect with a game, I usually come out of it with a new perspective on my own life - maybe a little more adventurous, maybe a little more mindful of how other people might be navigating their own lives. They're a way for me to feel connected to other people, even if I'm playing solo <3.
100% I love everything you said here. Perfect example of this was how the game Spiritfarer moved me by expressing stories of Grief and Loss. I’m doing an article about that game soon explaining how it does it from a psychological perspective.
I play video games to experience art, beauty, and transcendence. To explore new worlds and meet new people. To unwind and relax. To experience the world as someone else, or a deeper part of me. But most of all, to have fun and tap into that inner playfulness that’s innate to us all but which the world so relentlessly tries to stamp out.
That last sentence resonated with me so much! "to have fun and tap into that inner playfulness that's innate to us all but which the world so relentlessly tries to stamp out." Stay playful my friend!
Lately, I've been trying to embrace the mentality that everything has its season.
Sometimes literally, like with football and my Broncos -- though I probably obsess over offseason moves a little too much.
Whereas something like gaming may not have an actual offseason, it can definitely feel concentrated to certain times of year, especially the holiday season. Big media events like The Game Awards and GDQ can also put me in video game mood.
Rather than feeling down about myself when I'm not constantly engaged with gaming and internally motivated to play every day, I'm trying to embrace when a time of year or event does inspire that enthusiasm. Some reflection may even unearth positive associations I've developed with gaming, like remembering how gaming over the holidays as a kid always felt extra cozy.
My god, it really did feel cozy during the holidays, didn't it? That nostalgia feeling puts me in the mood for sure.
I ended up getting the Rog Ally X, but after seeing my friends PS Portal I think I made a mistake 😂 😂 😂….jk I'm good with my handheld
I absolutely love my PS Portal and I didn’t expect to. I’m sure the Rogue Ally is awesome!
Love this, for most hobbies I enjoying nowadays, at some point I had to step away from as to not burn out from it. Deciding to return when it’s healthy and when to step away has been key for me
Absolutely! It reinvigorates the hobby in many cases to allow yourself to step away
I appreciate being reminded of this. Now having a 2 year old to focus life around, and a job that also asks more of me, I can’t game like I used to. So, I give myself permission to play shorter games, on lower difficulty levels, and to never feel obligated to “complete” a game.
🫰 🫰 🫰 Yes! I have an infant right now so it’s actually a perfect time for me to game during his naps, but I know once this rugrat starts moving it will be much harder! 😂
I think games are a magical method of storytelling, and I find myself gaming mostly to experience those stories. If I connect with a game, I usually come out of it with a new perspective on my own life - maybe a little more adventurous, maybe a little more mindful of how other people might be navigating their own lives. They're a way for me to feel connected to other people, even if I'm playing solo <3.
100% I love everything you said here. Perfect example of this was how the game Spiritfarer moved me by expressing stories of Grief and Loss. I’m doing an article about that game soon explaining how it does it from a psychological perspective.
Cant wait to read it! That game absolutely destroyed my little heart.
Oooh, this will be fun!
I play video games to experience art, beauty, and transcendence. To explore new worlds and meet new people. To unwind and relax. To experience the world as someone else, or a deeper part of me. But most of all, to have fun and tap into that inner playfulness that’s innate to us all but which the world so relentlessly tries to stamp out.
That last sentence resonated with me so much! "to have fun and tap into that inner playfulness that's innate to us all but which the world so relentlessly tries to stamp out." Stay playful my friend!